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First time seeing one of these.

Double D
Double D Member Posts: 447
in Strictly Steam
They're on every radiator. I didn't run the system because the boiler needs to be replaced. 9 of the radiators out of the 13 have regular air vents. The other 4 only have the what is in the pictures. Do I need to remove them and put a standard plug in or can I just put JB weld over the holes and put radiator air vents on the remaining 4?

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,312
    Those are Ideal "In-Airid" vents. I wouldn't JB-Weld them- remove them and plug the openings if they need replacing. They come out easily with an impact wrench.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,437
    I would clean them out with a paperclip and see if they still work first.
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
    If they work leave them in.
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

  • Double D
    Double D Member Posts: 447
    At one time these used to vent the radiators? Cleaning may work for some but half of them have been drilled plus a vent was added.
  • tkos115
    tkos115 Member Posts: 94
    Wouldn't those have been used back when the system was coal or wood fired because of the vacuum. With a modern oil fired boiler I think you would want a non-vacuum vent valve since it's pretty much a steady constant heat source.

    I may be wrong as I'm not an expert but I thought I remembered reading about that.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,702
    If you can keep the system in vacuum more of the time the boiler will steam earlier and longer at a lower temp transferring more of the heat from the fuel to the structure rather than up the flue.
  • Double D
    Double D Member Posts: 447
    Thanks @Steamhead the impact driver works great. I have no choice but to at least remove the ones that have been drilled.
  • unclejohn
    unclejohn Member Posts: 1,833
    Who wants to go into business remaking all these neat little gadgets that are in Dans books. Patents must be up by now.
    Danny Scully

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